Topical Encyclopedia The term "travailed" in the Bible often refers to the intense labor and pain associated with childbirth, but it is also used metaphorically to describe deep suffering, struggle, or effort in various contexts. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating both physical and spiritual dimensions of human experience.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "travailed" is "חָבַל" (chaval), which conveys the idea of writhing in pain or undergoing severe labor. One of the earliest instances is found in Genesis 3:16, where God pronounces the consequences of the Fall upon Eve: "To the woman He said, 'I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children.'" This passage sets the stage for understanding travail as a consequence of sin, yet also as a part of the divine plan for human life and continuity. The imagery of travail is also used to describe the anguish of nations and individuals under judgment or distress. In Isaiah 26:17, the prophet writes, "As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we before You, O LORD." Here, the travail of childbirth becomes a metaphor for the suffering and anticipation of deliverance. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "ὠδίνω" (odinō) is used to describe the pains of childbirth and is often applied metaphorically to spiritual and eschatological contexts. In Romans 8:22, the Apostle Paul writes, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." This passage reflects the idea that all of creation is in a state of travail, awaiting the redemption and renewal that will come through Christ. Paul also uses the metaphor of travail to describe his own ministry efforts. In Galatians 4:19, he expresses his deep concern for the spiritual formation of the Galatian believers: "My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." Here, travail signifies the apostolic labor and emotional investment in nurturing the faith of others. Theological Implications The concept of travail in the Bible underscores the reality of suffering and struggle in the human experience, yet it also points to the hope of new life and transformation. Travail is not merely an end in itself but a process that leads to birth, growth, and fulfillment of God's purposes. This dual aspect of pain and promise is central to the Christian understanding of suffering and redemption. In prophetic literature, travail often signals the coming of God's kingdom and the birth of a new era. Jesus Himself alludes to this in Matthew 24:8, where He describes the signs of the end times as "the beginning of birth pains." This suggests that the trials and tribulations of the present age are leading to the ultimate realization of God's redemptive plan. Practical Application For believers, the concept of travail can be a source of encouragement and perseverance. It reminds Christians that their struggles are not in vain but are part of a larger divine narrative. Just as a woman endures labor for the joy of bringing forth new life, so too are Christians called to endure hardships with the hope of eternal glory. As Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." In summary, the biblical theme of travail encompasses both the physical and spiritual dimensions of labor and suffering, pointing ultimately to the hope and joy of new creation in Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Travail.Strong's Hebrew 2342a. chul -- to whirl, dance, writhe... 1), fall (1), gave you birth (1), gave birth (2), giving birth (1), labor (1), quaked (1), shakes (2), swirl down (1), take part (1), travailed (4), tremble (5 ... /hebrew/2342a.htm - 6k Library "He Said Not: Thou Shalt not be Tempested, Thou Shalt not be ... Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God. The Child of the Woman in the Apocalypse not Christ, but the ... He Proves that Christ is the Lord of Hosts from Ps. xxiv. , and ... Oration on the Holy Lights. Travailing for Souls Psalm VII. Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders The City of Gold Declension from First Love Thesaurus Travailed (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Travailed (7 Occurrences). ... There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. ... /t/travailed.htm - 8k Travail (54 Occurrences) Labor (181 Occurrences) Nourish (16 Occurrences) Journeyed (111 Occurrences) Wrist (3 Occurrences) Ichabod (2 Occurrences) Tied (33 Occurrences) Travailest (2 Occurrences) Thread (32 Occurrences) Resources Travailed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Travailed (7 Occurrences)Genesis 35:16 Genesis 38:28 1 Samuel 4:19 Isaiah 23:4 Isaiah 54:1 Isaiah 66:7 Isaiah 66:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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